Includes invaluable resource section with further contacts and support groups

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Second Edition

Frankie Campling and Michael Sharpe

Description

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) remains one of the most controversial illnesses, both in terms of its causes, and the best ways to treat the illness. For years, sufferers have had to deal with scepticism from their families, employers, and even health care professionals. The vast amount of conflicting advice that has been published up to now has served only to confuse sufferers, and professionals, even more. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Facts presents a compassionate guide to this illness, providing sufferers and their families, with practical advice, based solely on scientific evidence. It is unique in being written by both a sufferer and a physician, both of whom have had extensive experience of talking to, and helping, patients. Included in the book is a detailed
guide to self-help, written from a patient's perspective, but evidence-based. The book also deals with a number of special issues, advising on how to choose therapies and therapists, and how to deal with CFS in children. The book additionally includes an overview of the history of the illness, looking at the nature and causes of CFS, and the opportunities for the future. The book will be invaluable for sufferers from CFS, their friends and families, and the numerous health professionals who come into contact with sufferers from this illness.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Second Edition

Frankie Campling and Michael Sharpe

Table of Contents

Section 1 - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: its nature, diagnosis, and treatment 1. Our aims in this section2. What shall we call it?3. What is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME)?4. How a diagnosis of CFS/ME is made5. Other associated conditions6. Research into CFS/ME7. Making sense of what we know about the causes of CFS/ME8. Treatment9. Some myths about CFS/ME10. SummarySection 2 - The idea of self-help 11. Introduction to self-help12. Balancing rest and activity13. Relaxation and calm breathing14. Appropriate exercise15. Improving your sleep16. Getting the best from your food17. Coping with pain18. Difficulties with memory and concentration19. A gradual
increase in activity20. What gets in the way of being sensible?21. Improving your mood22. Managing anxiety, panic and depression23. Managing your thinking24. Dealing with problems25. Better communications26. Managing relationships and people27. Getting the best from today28. Managing employment29. Thinking about the future30. Summary of our self-help adviceSection 3 - Special Issues 31. Thinking about therapies and therapists, both medical and complementary/alternative32. Cognitive behaviour therapy and graded exercise therapy33. Children with CFS/MEAppendices 1. Medical glossary2. Keeping a diary3. The Oxford 1994 CDC criteria for CFS4. Further information

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Second Edition

Frankie Campling and Michael Sharpe

Author Information

Frankie Campling suffers from CFS/ME and provides telephone support for others like herself. Professor Michael Sharpe is a Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Psychological Medicine at The University of Edinburgh. He runs specialist clinic services for CFS/ME and has published widely on the illness.